NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation Sneham Malaysia Welfare Association has opened its new service centre in Berapit, Bukit Mertajam today.
The association is focused on issues relating to mental health, as well as its primary function to spearhead suicide prevention programmes for the masses.
It was established in October 2018.
Its president Datuk Dr Florence Sinniah regarded the opening of the new service centre as a significant moment for the association, as the centre could enable the volunteers to further assist the needy in the community.
“Suicide is a complex mental health issue, and we can proudly say that we have collaborated with many NGOs in the past to address the seriousness of the issue, and how and why it should be prevented.
“With this new service centre, we hope to speed up our assistance, especially to those suffering from a mental breakdown and the inability to cope with stress.
“We currently have 45 active members. Each one of them has been instrumental. Moving forward, we hope to continue with our mission to benefit more people,” Dr Florence said in her speech during the opening ceremony of the new service centre in Berapit, Bukit Mertajam today.
A shop lot unit, which was co-owned by two organisations, has been rented and transformed by Sneham into its new service centre.
Also present during the event was state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng. She thanked Sneham for its services and urged the association to keep up with its good work.
“The state government is always open to working with NGOs. Some NGOs are specialised in areas that can help the state government assist the people.
“Sneham is under the leadership of an extremely committed woman, and with the team she has, I am sure that the association will achieve even bigger success, ultimately for the benefit of the people,” Chong Eng said.
Also present was Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal